Maiden Maritime Silk Road voyage docks in Xiamen

The programs were arranged by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries to allow western guests to better understand and savor Chinese culture and traditions, Li Xinyu, a senior official with the friendship association, said.

A staff member presents white tea produced in Sichuan to passengers on cruise ship Majestic Princess on June 20, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Alan Stein, the ship's entertainment experience director, was pleased with how the journey went.

"So much has been learned through the friendship association's willingness to work and collaborate with all of us to bring some of the richness of China to the ship," Stein said.

Stein said the highlights would be shared beyond the ship by pictures and word of mouth.

More cruise trips are likely to be offered along the route in the future, he says.